How to Make a Bareback Saddle Pad

If you would prefer to ride your horse bareback, you will need a bareback saddle pad. You can easily make your own by using a new or existing saddle pad that you have or by making one using an old rug or blanket that is made of heavy-duty material. Simply attach a few simple materials to the pad so that it can be secured to the horse.

Supply List

• Saddle pad


• Blanket or rug made of thick material (optional)


• 4 O-rings


• Leather string


• Scissors


• Heavy duty needle (optional)


• Heavy duty thread (optional)

1. Purchase a saddle pad from a local tack shop if you want to use a new saddle pad to create a bareback saddle pad for the horse. You can also choose an existing saddle pad that you already own to save on money.


2. Make a saddle pad from an old blanket or rug that is made of heavy-duty material if you do not already own a saddle pad. Simply fold the material of the blanket or rug in half, trim the edges and sew them together to secure.


3. Measure the back of the horse that you plan to saddle so that you can determine the appropriate length for the bareback saddle. You want it to span from the base of the neck to about 6 inches from the base of the horse's tail.


4. Punch holes in the material of the saddle pad on all four corners and use leather ties to secure an O-ring to each hole that you have created on the saddle pad. 


5. Feed a leather tie through the O-ring on the front ride side of the saddle pad and run it directly across to the O-ring on the front left side.


6. Even out the string so that it is equal lengths on both sides.


7. Cross the string so that it forms an "X" and then feed it through the O rings on the bottom end of the saddle pad.


8. Pull the two ends of the leather tie together to cinch the saddle which will pull it tightly to the horse and secure with a double knot.